Farewell to Jimmy Carter: A State Funeral in Times of Change

The body of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter is soon expected in Washington, where a three-day mourning ceremony will take place. It will begin with Carter lying in state at the U.S. Capitol, before a funeral service is held at the Washington National Cathedral on Thursday. Carter's state funeral coincides with a politically significant period, as the newly elected Republican President Donald Trump will assume office from Democratic President Joe Biden. For security reasons, the Capitol has been surrounded with miles of barriers, as Trump's inauguration approaches on January 20. The 39th President of the United States, who served from 1977 to 1981, passed away on December 29 at the age of 100. Although his presidency is considered challenging due to economic difficulties and the Iran hostage crisis, Carter's reputation as a committed humanitarian has solidified in the following decades. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. Carter lived longer than any other American president and was in hospice care for nearly two years before his death. He last appeared publicly at the funeral of his wife Rosalynn in November 2023. President Biden has ordered a 30-day period of national mourning with flags flown at half-mast, which has met with disapproval from Trump. Carter's body will arrive from Atlanta and be transported in a funeral procession along Pennsylvania Avenue, with a stop at the U.S. Navy Memorial, to the Capitol. There, a memorial ceremony for lawmakers will begin at 3 PM local time, and the public can pay their respects until midnight. On Wednesday, the viewing will continue with military honors before the body is taken to the National Cathedral on Thursday. Both Biden and Trump are expected to attend the funeral service, with Biden delivering the eulogy. Carter will then return to his home state of Georgia, where his burial is planned in his birthplace, Plains.